§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many appeals against refusal of renewed licences, in the area of Cunmock and Doon Valley district licensing board, are now outstanding; and how long each appeal has been outstanding;
(2) what representation he has received from Cumnock and Doon Valley district licensing board about premises remaining open because appeals have been lodged.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe board wrote in June about the provisions of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 and the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, whereby a betting office or liquor licence remains in force until an appeal against238W the licensing authority's refusal to renew the licence is determined by the sheriff or abandoned.
Two appeals against refusals by the board to renew betting office licences at their meeting in March are still outstanding. I understand that the hearing of the appeals took place on 19th October and was adjourned by the sheriff, at the request of the appellant's counsel until 21st December.